Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18451 · Time limits/maintenance checks
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category; all models, all serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG) and a determination that a new safe-life limitation for affected NLG main fittings has not been mandated. This AD requires replacing affected NLG main fittings that have exceeded the safe-life limitation with a new or serviceable fitting. We are issuing this AD to prevent collapse of the NLG, which if not corrected, could lead to degradation of direction control on the ground or an un-commanded turn to the left, and a consequent loss of control of the airplane on the ground, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD: Replace each affected NLG main fitting, having a part number (P/N) as identified in paragraph 1.A, tables 1., 2., and 3. of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of that BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012. Thereafter, before the accumulation of 16,000 flight cycles on any affected NLG main fitting having a part number as identified in paragraph 1.A, tables 1., 2., and 3. of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012, replace each affected NLG main fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of that BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012.
(1) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated 29,000 flight cycles or more since first installation on an airplane: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated 20,000 flight cycles or more but less than 29,000 flight cycles since first installation on an airplane: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated 16,000 flight cycles or more but less than 20,000 flight cycles since first installation on an airplane: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD.
(4) For NLG main fittings that have accumulated less than 16,000 flight cycles since first installation on an airplane: Before accumulating 16,000 flight cycles since first installation on an airplane, or within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an NLG main fitting having a part number identified in paragraph 1.A., tables 1., 2., and 3., of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-186, dated April 12, 2012, unless that fitting is in compliance with the requirements of this AD.
